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Height: 6-4 | Weight: 312 | Position:OT | College: Eastern Michigan Player Profile
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02/05/2009 - Tennessee found a pretty promising defensive end in the second round last year when the Titans drafted Jason Jones. Now, there's another player coming out of the MAC school that the Bears are keeping a close eye on. The team is expected to bring in offensive tackle T.J. Lang for a visit some time after his pro day later this month, according to a report. Lang is a three-year starter at left tackle who started on the other side of the ball. Maybe it's his background on defense that gives him a nasty demeanor NFL types like. Ultimately, he could project inside or at right tackle. He didn't miss a game the last three seasons and is considered a physical performer. At the Texas vs. The Nation Game, which general manager Jerry Angelo scouted, Lang was worked at both center and guard, as well as tackle, and reportedly did well. The Eagles will hold their pro day March 16. - Brad Biggs, Chicago Sun-Times
Overview
A lot of NFL fans hadn't heard of last year's EMU riser, Tennessee third-round pick DE Jason Jones, before the draft, but he was an immediate contributor on the Titans' excellent defensive line. Lang's toughness and versatility could force him into the top four rounds as well.
The 2008 second-team All-MAC pick started at left tackle the past two years after lining up at right tackle as a sophomore and even starting the season opener as a true freshman (played in all 11 games). Lang will start inside at the next level, but could be a spot reserve at any line spot, which is a valuable skill.
Analysis
Positives: Good height with thick and strong upper and lower bodies. Absolute mauler who works hard on - and through - every play. Versatile enough to start at all three interior spots. Gets down quickly and is effective on cut blocks. Strong enough to stone and pancake his opponent. Fires out of his stance and uses his hands well on run plays; gets inside his man's jersey and doesn't let go. Punches and extends his arms to hold off defenders in pass protection. Good enough feet to get to linebackers, pull and trap. Aware enough to help the tackle and center on the same play. Hustles downfield on screens and reverses to throw the late block.
Negatives: Must learn to play inside in the NFL because he lacks the athleticism, arm length and hand size to be more than a short-term solution outside. Leans into his man too much, enabling the tackle to rip him off or pull him forward on a second effort. Tries to grab his man's jersey on most every play instead of punching and resetting, which will be a problem against quicker defensive tackles.
